Southern California’s coastline offers more than just beautiful beaches – it’s home to incredible restaurants where ocean views enhance every bite. From casual beachside cafes to upscale dining rooms perched above crashing waves, these spots combine fresh seafood, creative cuisine, and breathtaking vistas. Ready for a culinary adventure with a side of Pacific Ocean panoramas? These oceanfront gems deliver unforgettable dining experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
1. Geoffrey’s Malibu: Cliffside Elegance
Hollywood history meets coastal charm at this Malibu institution dating back to the 1940s. Once a hangout for icons like Frank Sinatra and Shirley MacLaine, Geoffrey’s continues to dazzle with its panoramic ocean views.
The wraparound terrace hovers above the Pacific, creating a front-row seat to nature’s daily spectacle. Their Mediterranean-inspired menu showcases fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients that complement the coastal setting perfectly.
Sunday brunch here feels magical, especially when dolphins make surprise appearances offshore. Don’t miss their signature lobster risotto paired with a Malibu Sunset cocktail while watching the sky transform into watercolor hues.
2. The Marine Room: Waves at Your Window
Imagine dining so close to the ocean that waves literally crash against your window. The Marine Room in La Jolla delivers this unique spectacle, especially during high tide dinners when the Pacific becomes part of your dining experience.
Executive Chef Bernard Guillas crafts French-influenced coastal cuisine that’s as impressive as the views. Seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation elevate dishes like their famous macadamia-crusted halibut.
Founded in 1941, this iconic restaurant has survived powerful storms and evolved into a culinary landmark. The elegant interior features floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the ocean like living artwork, making every table feel special regardless of the tide schedule.
3. The Deck: Sand Between Your Toes
Barefoot luxury defines The Deck in Laguna Beach, where tables sit directly on the sand. No pretension here—just the authentic joy of ocean breezes, crashing waves, and California coastal cuisine served in a relaxed setting.
Locals and tourists mingle over craft cocktails and fresh seafood as surfers catch waves just yards away. Their ahi poke bowl showcases the kitchen’s commitment to quality ingredients, while grilled fish tacos capture SoCal’s laid-back culinary spirit.
Sunset transforms this casual spot into something magical. The sky erupts in orange and pink while string lights twinkle overhead, creating an atmosphere that makes you want to linger over one more beachside margarita.
4. Nobu Malibu: Celebrity-Approved Sushi
Sleek minimalism meets Pacific grandeur at Nobu Malibu, where Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s legendary Japanese fusion draws A-listers and food enthusiasts alike. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the ocean like a living painting, while the outdoor deck seems to float above the waves below.
Celebrity sightings might distract you momentarily, but the food demands your full attention. Signature dishes like miso black cod and yellowtail jalapeño showcase the perfect marriage of Japanese tradition and California innovation.
Reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, especially for sunset hours when the restaurant glows golden. Plan weeks ahead or try your luck at the bar—the spectacular setting and exceptional cuisine justify the effort and splurge.
5. Pacific Coast Grill: Two-Story Ocean Panoramas
Perched on the sand in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Pacific Coast Grill offers a double-decker ocean experience. The first floor puts you eye-level with the waves, while the second-story deck delivers sweeping coastal vistas stretching for miles.
Fresh seafood dominates the menu, with lobster tacos emerging as a crowd favorite. Their raw bar showcases the Pacific’s bounty with oysters, ceviche, and poke that taste even better with the soundtrack of crashing waves.
Sunset transforms this already-stunning location into something magical. Surfers catch final waves as the sky shifts through a spectrum of colors, all while you sip craft cocktails and savor coastal cuisine in this North County San Diego gem.
6. Moonshadows: Malibu’s Blue Lounge
Hanging over the rocky Malibu coastline, Moonshadows combines retro beach charm with contemporary coastal cuisine. The iconic blue-hued deck seems suspended between sky and sea, creating an almost dreamlike dining atmosphere.
Weekend brunches buzz with energy as mimosas flow and waves crash below. By night, the space transforms into a sophisticated lounge where locals and visitors mingle over craft cocktails and truffle fries under the stars.
Celebrity sightings aren’t uncommon at this longtime favorite that’s been serving seafood with a view since 1969. Their grilled mahi-mahi exemplifies the kitchen’s straightforward approach—letting quality ingredients shine without unnecessary complexity, much like the stunning natural setting itself.
7. Duke’s: Surf Legend’s Hawaiian Haven
Named for surfing pioneer Duke Kahanamoku, this Hawaiian-inspired restaurant brings aloha spirit to Huntington Beach. Positioned right along the pier, Duke’s offers front-row seats to surfing competitions and daily wave-riding action.
Tiki culture meets California casual in the bamboo-accented dining room. Vintage surfboards and black-and-white photos celebrate the waterman heritage that defines both Hawaii and Southern California’s beach communities.
Their famous Hula Pie—a mountain of macadamia nut ice cream on chocolate cookie crust—has achieved cult status among regulars. Paired with coconut shrimp and a mai tai while watching surfers tackle Huntington’s breaks, you’ll understand why Duke’s has become a beloved institution rather than just another beachside restaurant.
8. Poseidon: Del Mar’s Beach Classic
Nestled directly above Del Mar’s pristine shoreline, Poseidon has been a local institution since 1968. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the beach panorama, while the expansive patio offers unobstructed views of surfers, dolphins, and spectacular sunsets.
The restaurant strikes the perfect balance between upscale and approachable. White tablecloths suggest sophistication, yet sandy flip-flops are welcome—embodying Southern California’s relaxed elegance.
Their signature clam chowder and shrimp tacos showcase the kitchen’s coastal focus. Weekend brunch brings locals who linger for hours over bloody marys and seafood benedicts, watching the oceanfront parade of joggers, surfers, and beachgoers enjoying Del Mar’s famous shoreline.
9. The Crab Cooker: Newport’s Red Landmark
The bright red building near Newport Pier has been serving no-frills seafood since 1951. This unpretentious landmark stands out among Newport Beach’s upscale dining scene with its paper plates, communal tables, and focus on perfectly prepared seafood.
Founder Bob Roubian pioneered the concept of simple preparation that lets the ocean’s flavors shine. Their signature red tomato-based clam chowder breaks from New England tradition but has converted generations of loyal fans.
Queues often form outside this cash-only establishment where Manhattan Beach lifeguards once delivered fresh fish directly to the kitchen. The recent rebuild following structural issues preserved the charm while updating the facilities, ensuring this beloved institution continues serving beach-fresh seafood for generations to come.
10. 71Above: Sky-High Ocean Vistas
Perched on the 71st floor of downtown LA’s US Bank Tower, this restaurant offers a unique perspective on Southern California’s coastline. On clear days, the Pacific stretches to the horizon beyond the urban landscape, creating a dramatic backdrop for exceptional modern American cuisine.
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase 360-degree views that transform from sun-drenched panoramas by day to twinkling city lights by night. Chef Vartan Abgaryan’s seasonal tasting menus feature precise technique and artistic presentation worthy of the spectacular setting.
While not directly oceanfront, 71Above provides something equally special—a bird’s-eye perspective of Los Angeles meeting the Pacific. The sophisticated space with its geometric ceiling design and elegant bar has quickly become a special occasion destination since opening in 2016.
11. Mastro’s Ocean Club: Luxurious Wave Watching
Mastro’s brings steakhouse opulence to the Malibu coastline with dramatic results. Perched above Carbon Beach, the restaurant’s curved architecture mimics an elegant yacht, while glass walls showcase uninterrupted Pacific views.
White-jacketed servers deliver oversized seafood towers and perfectly aged steaks with theatrical flair. The Chilean sea bass practically melts on your fork, while their famous warm butter cake provides an indulgent finale worth every calorie.
Live piano music fills the sophisticated space as waves crash below and celebrities dine discreetly in corner booths. Though decidedly upscale, Mastro’s maintains an unpretentious vibe where beachgoers can transition from afternoon sun to evening elegance without missing a beat—just throw a jacket over your sundress or collared shirt.
12. Paradise Cove Beach Café: Barefoot Breakfast Bliss
Tucked into a secluded Malibu cove, this casual café delivers the authentic beach dining experience many visitors dream about. Tables actually sit on the sand, allowing for barefoot dining while waves crash just yards away.
Massive breakfast platters draw morning crowds, while tropical drinks served in hollowed pineapples keep the vacation vibes flowing all day. Kids build sandcastles between bites as parents relax under colorful umbrellas, creating the quintessential California beach day.
Featured in countless films and TV shows, Paradise Cove somehow maintains its laid-back charm despite its fame. The adjacent private beach (accessible with café validation) makes this more than just a meal—it’s a full-day coastal experience where you can swim, sunbathe, and feast without ever leaving paradise.
13. Bluewater Grill: Catalina Island Harbor Views
A ferry ride from the mainland brings you to this harbor-front gem on Catalina Island. Situated in historic Avalon Bay, Bluewater Grill occupies a prime spot where fishing boats once unloaded their daily catch—a heritage honored through sustainable seafood practices.
The harborside patio offers postcard-worthy views of bobbing boats and Catalina’s distinctive hills. Locally harvested swordfish and island-raised Catalina oysters connect diners directly to the surrounding waters in delicious fashion.
After lunch, stroll along the harbor promenade or grab dessert from a nearby ice cream shop. The restaurant’s location makes it perfect for people-watching while island visitors disembark from mainland ferries, creating a constantly changing scene against the backdrop of crystal-clear Mediterranean-blue waters.
14. Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort: Waves Below Your Table
Built directly into the Laguna Beach cliffside, Splashes creates the illusion of dining on water itself. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame crashing waves so close you can almost feel the spray, while outdoor tables perch just above the tideline.
Breakfast here feels particularly magical as morning light dances across the water and dolphins occasionally appear offshore. Their seafood paella showcases local catches alongside Spanish influences that complement the Mediterranean feel of both restaurant and resort.
Weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas draws locals seeking a staycation vibe without leaving town. The sound of waves provides constant acoustic accompaniment, sometimes gentle background music, other times dramatic percussion during winter storms when whitecaps pound the shoreline just below your table.
15. Shooters Waterfront: Marina del Rey Yacht Spotting
Sailboat masts create a forest of vertical lines against the sky at this Marina del Rey harbor gem. While not directly on the beach, Shooters offers equally captivating waterfront views where million-dollar yachts bob gently in their slips.
The recently renovated space balances nautical elements with contemporary design—think polished wood, crisp white accents, and strategic lighting that makes everything and everyone look spectacular. Their seafood-focused menu features local catches alongside globally-inspired small plates perfect for sharing.
Happy hour draws a lively crowd of boaters and locals who gather to watch sailboats return to harbor while sipping craft cocktails. Don’t miss their calamari and ceviche while enjoying the peaceful alternative to crashing waves—the gentle lapping of harbor waters against gleaming hulls.
16. Driftwood Kitchen: Ocean-to-Table Excellence
Suspended above Laguna’s rocky coastline, Driftwood Kitchen embodies Southern California’s commitment to sustainability. Chef Rainer Schwarz’s “ocean-to-table” philosophy means seafood often travels just hours from boat to plate, preserving optimal freshness and flavor.
Weathered wood, rope accents, and vintage nautical elements create an atmosphere that feels authentically coastal rather than themed. The restaurant’s namesake driftwood pieces, collected from local beaches, serve as unique decorative elements throughout the space.
Their grilled branzino arrives whole, perfectly charred and aromatic with herbs. Paired with a local wine and the panoramic ocean backdrop, it creates a multi-sensory experience that captures the essence of coastal dining at its finest.
17. The Strand House: Manhattan Beach’s Glass-Walled Wonder
Perched atop Manhattan Beach’s steep bluff, The Strand House combines architectural drama with culinary excellence. Three stories of glass walls create the sensation of floating above the Pacific, with views stretching from Palos Verdes to Malibu on clear days.
Morning fog often creates a mystical atmosphere as it rolls across the beach below, especially during weekend brunch. As afternoon sun burns through, the space transforms—revealing surfers, volleyball players, and the iconic pier in perfect clarity.
Their seasonal small plates showcase California’s agricultural bounty alongside fresh seafood. The bar program deserves special mention for creative cocktails incorporating house-infused spirits and farmers market ingredients that complement both the menu and the spectacular South Bay setting.
